Pancha Rathas Historical Facts and Pictures

Pancha Rathas, also known as the Pandava Rathas, located on the Coromandel Coast in Kancheepuram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most notable monument complexes and a great example of the famous monolithic rock-cut architectural style of the country. The structures are collectively named after the Pancha Pandavas, the five sons of King Pandu from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The five constructions are individually named as the Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha after individual Pandavas Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva and their common wife Draupadi.
A plaque displayed by the Archeological Survey of India at the entrance of the site mentions the rulers of the Pallava dynasty to have modeled the structures on ancient wooden rathas. The construction and curving of the Pancha Rathas began during the rule of Pallava kings Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I. However, the work on the Rathas never finished as the death of Narasimhavarman I (668 AD) led to discontinuation of the construction work. The site is currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1984) as part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.

Pancha Rathas

Pancha Rathas Images

Pancha Rathas Pictures

Pancha Rathas

Dharmaraja Ratha

Dharmaraja Ratha Pictures

Dharmaraja Ratha

Bhima Ratha

Bhima Ratha Pictures

Bhima Ratha

Arjuna Ratha

Arjuna Ratha Pictures

Arjuna Ratha

Nakula Sahadeva Ratha

Nakula Sahadeva Ratha Images

Nakula Sahadeva Ratha Pictures

Nakula Sahadeva Ratha

Draupadi’s Ratha

Draupadi’s Ratha Pictures

Draupadi’s Ratha

All the monolithic constructions are carved from pink granite outcropping with each ratha having a unique layout (e.g. rectangular, square, apsidal etc). The largest of the five rathas measures 42ftx35ft while the tallest one is 40 feet high. Representing the diversity of the Dravidian architectural style of the time, most of the sculptures are believed to be inspired by Buddhist Chaityas and Viharas.